Review: Odylique by Essential Care Gentle Herb Shampoo

If you're looking for a Soil Association approved shampoo that really breaks down every teeny tiny bit of product build up and was awarded a gold medal as the 'standout' winner in the prestigious Free From Skincare Awards then look no further.

While testing out the Odylique by Essential Care Gentle Herb Shampoo* I realised it's the perfect clarifying shampoo for me. It's suitable for babies, relieves itchy flaky scalps and is gentle as promised but for me it's just so bloomin' good at removing any product I've applied throughout the week so now takes pride of place on the Sunday Shelf with the other 'once a week-ers' Gentle Herb Shampoo is free from SLES, ALS, artificial preservatives, fragrance and salt. If you've used a detergent free shampoo before you'll be used to the lack of suds. The suds are still there, it lathers up well but in a much more gentle way which can take some getting used to but don't worry, how well a product lathers has nothing at all to do with how effective it is and take my word for it, it's effective. The inclusion of organic aloe vera, chamomile, rosemary and biodynamic nettle and horsetail stimulates healthy hair growth and works wonders on itchy scalps.

I've already mentioned how good it is at removing product build up but unlike most, my hair isn't left feeling stripped. It does have that squeak to it but thanks to the organic coconut oil my hair feels silky smooth once styled. The packaging is fantastic too, more shampoos should come in a pump bottle (you wouldn't believe how many times I've had to use both my teeth and hands to get any shampoo out of certain bottles) and I'm lovin' the new updated design.

Have you tried this shampoo?

Odylique by Essential Care Gentle Herb Shampoo 11 quid for 200ml from www.essential-care.co.uk

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*PR sample

Christmas Gift Idea #2: Conscious Skincare Sweet Orange and Frangipani Bath Soak

If you missed my Christmas Gift Idea #1 you can see that here but today I have a gorgeous luxurious, organic bath soak from Conscious Skincare to talk about. In my October Favourites post I included their Sweet Orange & Frangipani Body Butter, the texture and scent is incredible and the Sweet Orange & Frangipani Bath Soak* smells just as good, perfect if you like layering up with the same scent. If you aren't familiar with Conscious Skincare, it's a British organic skin and body care brand. The products are made at the company's rural retreat in Wales and are free from chemicals, synthetics and preservatives. The brand is strongly against animal testing and is approved by Cruelty Free International and 'Leaping Bunny' certified.

Most products from Conscious Skincare come with the option of premium eco-natural, 100% recycled gift boxes and ribbon at no extra cost which isn't something many brands offer. I love the gift box, it's simple yet still festive and makes the gift seem that little bit more special. If you usually buy a prezzie for someone who loves having baths but only uses organic products, it's well worth having a look at the website. If this bath soak doesn't appeal to you, I'm sure you'll spot something that does. Unlike a lot of bath products, the scent does linger on the skin for a decent length of time and because it's free from sls, it doesn't dry out the skin.

Would you be happy to receive this on Christmas day? :)
Have you tried any products from Conscious Skincare?

Conscious Skincare Sweet Orange & Frangipani Bath Soak, 250ml, 15.99 from www.conscious-skincare.com

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Great For Irritated Skin: Yon-Ka Creme 11

Me and my big red face are always on the look out for products to help calm my skin and reduce redness. I haven't tried too many lotions and potions targeted towards redness so if you have any recommendations please let me know. This post is long overdue but thanks to my crazy skin over the last few months I didn't get to fully put it to the test untill around four weeks ago.

Yon-Ka is a French skin care brand which has been around since 1954 but I've only recently started to hear about it, mainly on blogs. 

Creme 11* is a 2-in-1 soothing cream designed for people with sensitive skin and redness. The first thing I noticed about Creme 11 was how thick and rich it felt. I don't like my skin to feel heavy with product but I needn't have worried, it sinks into the skin immediately and instantly makes my skin feel smoother. While on my skin it has a calming effect and takes the heat out of my cheeks where I have the most redness. The redness does die down a bit but doesn't disappear completely. At first I was really disappointed as I was expecting the redness to leg it but I noticed my face wasn't getting as itchy. If you have a lot of heat coming from your face you'll know it can get very itchy, blotchy and having a good scratch only makes the redness worse. If I apply Creme 11 asap after cleansing and toning, any redness and irritation I get is kept to a minimum.

The directions say to apply the cream to red patches and follow with your usual cream but it does such a good job of  moisturising that I slather it all over my face and don't need to layer anything on top. I really like the packaging, you can squeeze out just the right amount of product and it's handy for travel.

It does work but don't be expecting miracles, you'll just feel disappointed like I did at first. 

Have you tried any products from Yon-Ka?

Yon-Ka Creme 11, 40ml  35 available from www.elementsthebeautysalon.com

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One For The Teens: Good Things Instant Dark Circles Concealer

I'm forever going on about how bad my dark circles are. They drive me mad and concealer seems to be the one product I have the most trouble with. They're either too sheer or too heavy which results in crease city. I've been trying out the Instant Dark Circles Concealer* from Good Things in the shade Light-Medium which comes in rollerball packaging and claims to depuff the eye area as well as conceal any darkness. I have a weakness for rollerball applicators, they instantly cool the eye area and make me feel more awake so I was really excited to try out this 2-in-1 product.

Good Things products are free from Parabens, SLS, Mineral Oils and animal ingredients, and are very reasonably priced. The Instant Dark Circles Concealer Has a lightweight formula which is great if you're like me and have puffy bags as well as dark circles. It's packed with skin-calming raspberry, clarifying lychee, circulation-boosting caffeine and a depuffing peptide. It depuffs my eyes as promised and feels very soothing but unfortunately the coverage isn't enough to tackle my dark circles. It's fine for no makeup days but when I really want to cover those bad boys I need to reach for something a lot more pigmented.

I think this would be the perfect product for teens who don't really need to use an eye cream just yet but want something to help brighten their eye area. Even if you're not in your teens and are lucky enough not to have bad dark circles, this would be ideal. BUT if you're a long term member of the dark circles brigade, you're going to have to look elsewhere.

Have you tried this product from Good Things?
Are you part of the panda eyed party like me?

Good Things Instant Dark Circles Concealer £5.99, currently £3.99 from Boots

Instant Hydration: Caribbean Essentials Radiance Hydrating Facial Spritz

I love vanilla, I love natural products and I love toners. This facial spritz from Caribbean Essentials is a hit with me and if you love a hydration boost in spray form then you're going to be adding this to your skin care booty.

Caribbean Essentials isn't a brand I know a lot about, I've heard a few whispers here and there but this is the first product I've tried from the brand. I'll link the website at the end of this post so anyone interested can have a read through the 'About' section as it's too lengthy to post here but in short, Caribbean Essentials is a luxury global spa Ritual company.

The Radiance Hydrating Facial Spritz* is one of those products that makes you feel good just from the scent alone. It contains nutrient rich ingredients including neroli to improve skins elasticity, witch hazel, carrot seed oil, sweet orange, vanilla and aloe vera. To me it mainly smells like vanilla, there's no not-so-nice witch hazel pong thankfully. Instead of just tending to one skin concern I find it helps soothe my reactive skin as well as adding a shot of hydration either after cleansing or throughout the day when my skin needs it. It can be used over makeup which I think anyone with mature/very dry skin could really benefit from as it gets rid of  the dreaded dry skin clinging onto foundation look.

If you're a bit of a facial spritz fanatic, this is one worth adding to your arsenal of instant hydration hits.

Have you tried this or any other products from Caribbean Essentials?

Caribbean Essentials Radiance Hydrating Facial Spritz, 100ml £18 available from caribbeanessentials.com

KIKO: Light Legs Crackling Mousse & Firming Iridescent Cream

KIKO Light Legs Crackling Mousse* | Firming Iridescent Cream*

These products have been released just in time for summer but certain people could really benefit from using the Light Legs Crackling Mousse all year round. As I've mentioned before, I'm a hairdresser by trade and even though I love everything to do with working in a salon (especially the craic between everyone including clients) we spend most, if not all day on our feet which leads to back pain and tired/achy/heavy legs and feet. Back in the day I found a similar product that was sadly discontinued a long time ago but it was more or less the same: it crackled and cooled on contact with the skin but wasn't a mousse. When I received the press release for KIKO's offering I got so excited! I've spent the longest time trying to find another product like this and finally it's here!

KIKO Light Legs Crackling Mousse looks exactly the same as a mousse you would use on your hair but it's light, fluffy, non sticky and sinks into the skin leaving no residue behind. It crackles on the skin (the only way I can describe it is as a fizzy feeling) leaving legs and feet feeling instantly refreshed. The scent is gorgeous! When a product claims to soothe and stimulate microcirculation I always assume the scent will be a minty one but Light Legs Crackling Mousse is a light, fresh floral that lingers on the skin for hours.

Active ingredients include Escine: Draining and vasoprotective. Blueberry: Vasotonic and protective. Liquorice: Vasotonic and protective.

Even the colour of the bottle has been chosen for a reason. ''Purple: has positive and mental spiritual benefits, aiding concentration and helping to relax at the same time. Encourages calm and helps restore lightness.''

Light Legs Crackling Mousse is also a fantastic product to keep beside your bed if you suffer from restless legs. In this weather my legs go crazy at night and this has really helped.

The Firming Iridescent Cream is a lovely product too. It changes from a cream to thin fluid once you start massaging it into the skin. Just like the mousse, it is part of the Scented Technology range and smells wonderful. The texture is rich enough to really moisturise but not heavy enough to make the skin feel weighed down in this hot weather. It claims to not only nourish the skin but leave it feeling firmer and more subtle. If you're someone who really likes firming body creams but hate the horrendous price tags then this is a good option at only £12.90.

Both products are paraben free and if you have legs, you need the Light Legs Crackling Mousse.

Have you tried these products or anything similar?

KIKO Light Legs Crackling Mousse £12.90 & Firming Iridescent Cream £12.90 both available from www.kikocosmetics.co.uk

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Review: Pur Minerals CC Cream

Pur Minerals CC Cream*

I've said it before and Ill say it again - I don't buy into the hype surrounding BB/CC creams and never will. To be completely honest, I roll my eye's everytime I see the adverts. I've only tried a few as to me they're just tinted moisturisers with more coverage. I think of them as a base, nothing more. If I like them I'll use them and if I don't I wont. I found a couple of really good BB creams I enjoy using but again, I think of them as a base, nothing more but this is my first step into the world of CC creams.

From looking at the American website there will be 4 shades in total: Light, Medium, Tan & Dark. The shade I've been using is 'Light' it's the perfect colour for me but I feel it will be too dark for most fair skins. The packaging is a hit, not only do I really like how it looks but it dispenses just the right amount of product and the lack of glass makes it perfect for travel. The product claims to moisturise, brighten, prime and conceal. It's silicone free with broad spectrum SPF 40. I'm so glad to see a high factor in there and even though foundation/moisturiser etc with SPF needs be reapplied throughout the day for it to really protect your skin (lets be honest, none of us do that) which often makes me think why bother including it in the first place, especially low factors such as 15. 40 offers enough protection while you go to the shop, drop your kids off at school and that kind of thing.

The finish is described as matte which I do agree with to a point. I don't know about anyone else but when I think of matte I think cakey and dull and let me tell you, Pur CC Cream isn't like that at all! It's matte in the sense that it doesn't feel sticky or tacky but it adds life to dull skin and looks fresh. The coverage is a lot better than I was expecting yet the formula is lightweight. It covers all the redness in my cheeks but still lets things like freckles show through slightly. The end result looks very natural and lasts around 8 hours on my skin without the need for powder. I think most skin types would get on great with this as it lasted well on my t-zone where I get quite oily and it didn't cling to any dry areas on my cheeks.  

I think it's safe to say I'm impressed. Not by all the CC hocus pocus but by how well it works and looks as a base. If I try more CC creams in the future, this is the one they will have to match up to.

What's your thoughts on BB/CC creams?

Pur Minerals products are available from www.marksandspencer.com but I'm not sure when the CC Cream £25 will be joining the line up.

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*PR sample

Apivita Haul

Last week M&S had 20% off all beauty products. M&S isn't a place I usually go in search of beauty booty but this offer along with all the fab brands they now stock was too much temptation. I decided now was the time to get my mitts on some goodies from Greek skincare brand, Apivita!

I've heard nothing but great reviews about this brand and love how the products are free from a nice amount of nasties. I only ordered a few things as I wanted to see how well my skin reacts to the brand but if it's as good as people say it is, I'm sure I'll go back for more and Apivita will be a permanent fixture in my skincare routine.

Express Beauty With Cucumber: Intensive Hydrating Mask x2

Express Beauty With Honey: Moisturizing & Nourishing Mask x2

Express Beauty With Pink Clay: Gentle Cleansing Mask x2

Express Beauty With Grape: Anti-Wrinkle Eye Mask

Express Gold With Rose: Anti-Fatigue Moisturising Eye Patches

Express Beauty With Ginkgo Biloba: Dark Circles & Eye Puffiness Mask x2

Natural Soap: Organic Honey & Lavender

I'll post reviews once I've had a chance to try them all out but let me know if there's any masks I don't have that you would recommend.

Have you tried anything from Apivita?

Don't forget to enter my Urban Decay Mariposa Palette giveaway!

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Review: Nourish Relax Hydrating Peptide Serum

Nourish Relax Hydrating Peptide Serum*

Over the last month I have been trying out this serum from Nourish and urge anyone with sensitive skin to give it a try. I'll explain why - Most serums I've tried have left my skin in better condition than if I only use moisturiser but, and it's a big but, they often aggravate my skin causing my cheeks to go bright red, itchy, covered in hive's. You name it, it happens! They overstimulate my skin in the way some anti-ageing moisturisers can and are often really oily making it impossible for me to use them during the day so for a few months I didn't use one at all.

The Relax range from Nourish is designed for sensitive skin and contains bisabolol and tripeptides to stimulate collagen production. The scent of the serum is barely there and the texture is a lightweight fluid gel that sinks into the skin in a matter of seconds never leaving a tacky feeling behind and most importantly, it doesn't roll off or go 'bitty' when you layer another product on top. Just like the body butter I tried from the same range (link), it minimises redness and has improved the texture of my skin to the point that my foundation applies smoother, looks less cakey and lasts longer. The dehydration lines/stretched pores on my cheeks are barely noticeable thanks to the hyluronic acid. My skin looks fresher, feels smoother and I now have a serum I can use both morning and night. If I go even just one day without using this I can see such a difference!

I don't have a bad word to say, even the price is reasonable when you compare it to the eye watering prices out there. It's 85% organic and is housed in a frosted glass bottle with hygienic pump. Lovely product.

Have you tried anything from the Nourish Relax range?

What are some of your favourite products for sensitive skin?

Nourish Relax Peptide Serum £16.95 from www.nourishskinrange.com

*PR sample

Organic Colour Systems: Status Quo Shampoo/Conditioner & Revamp Treatment

Over the last few weeks I've been trying out 3 products from a hair care brand I had never heard of before. Organic Colour Systems is a range of organic shampoos, treatments and conditioners. The products are effective on natural, coloured or highlighted hair so there should be something to suit every hair type.

Revamp Treatment* 130ml £11.95: Revamp Treatment strengthens and restores chemically damaged, weak, fine or limp hair. It maintains protein levels to naturally strengthen even chemically damaged hair. Directions: Apply a small amount to clean dry hair. Gently comb through and leave for 15mins. Rinse thoroughly with warm water then condition. This is the one product I asked to try when I was contacted. My hair is the opposite of fine but it is so, so damaged after years of abuse from tinting, bleaching, backcombing, heat styling and everything in between! It claims to strengthen hair after only two uses but I really didn't believe that and after the first use I thought it made no difference to my hair. As soon as water meets my hair it turns into a matted dog so I was unable to comb the treatment through but I made sure I massaged it into my hair really well before leaving it on for 15 mins. As I said, I didn't notice much difference after the first use but the 2nd time was a different story. I still didn't feel a difference while I was in the shower, it was once I started to straighten my hair I noticed how much stronger it felt. It's a bit addictive but I'm going to have to back off a bit as it shouldn't be used more than 10x a month but I've been using it everytime I wash my hair.

Status Quo Shampoo* 250ml £10.95 & Conditioner* 200ml £10.95: Status Quo is a balancing range with UV protection best suited to those with normal/oily hair. The shampoo is gentle enough to be used daily and the conditioner helps to maintain the hairs natural protein and moisture balance. I do get oily roots but my nightmare hair could be described as anything other than normal. I think the Aqua Boost shampoo/conditioner would suit my hair better but I can tell you Status Quo leaves no residue at all on the hair which is great if you find your hair looks too flat. It also gave my hair the most amazing shine and I was able to get an extra day out of my hair before needing to wash it.

All 3 products smell lovely, especially the conditioner and Revamp Treatment which isn't really the norm when it comes to organic hair care. My sensitive scalp wasn't irritated at all, my hair now feels stronger and I'm able to sneak an extra day out of my hair. :)

Here's a list of what is never included in Organic Colour Systems Products - parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonia, GMO's, formalehyde, plastics, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium Xylene Sulfonate, TEA Lauryl Sulfate, Sulfur, Selenium Sulfide, Animal Bi-Products, Unnecessary Additive Fillers and they never test on animals.

Have you tried or heard about Organic Colour Systems before?

Organic Colour Systems products are available from www.organiccoloursystems.com and various online retailers.

*PR sample

Nourish Relax Cell Protect Body Butter

Nourish Cell Protect Body Butter*

Relax Cell Protect is designed for people like me with irritated, stressed skin. During Winter my skin dries out but I almost always avoid body butter's as they just don't sink into my skin. I usually opt for lighter lotions or oils but more often than not I just skip moisturising my body. I wish I was one of the few who moisturise after every shower but I'm not.

Relax Cell Protect has been formulated to assist with the repair and regeneration of the skin whilst preventing further damage. Vitamin E derived from Tocopherol, Argan Oil and Omega 6 from Borage Oil is delivered directly to the skin which should prevent collagen depletion. This all sounds great but what stood out to me was this claim - has been shown to clinically reduce redness and negative effects of irritation. After showering I come out in red blotches mainly on my arms. Sometimes they're itchy like hives, sometimes they're just blotches and fade within a few hours but my skin is just very reactive. For this review I've been using Cell Relax Protect everyday and have noticed a huge difference in not only the texture and over all look of my skin but any redness is now minimal.

The only thing I'm not so fond of is the scent. Lavender is my enemy but thankfully it isn't overpowering and isn't strong enough to clash with any perfume I decide to wear and unlike most body butters it isn't heavy, my skin drinks it up almost immediately.

Have you tried Relax Cell Protect Body Butter or any other products from Noursh?

Nourish Relax Cell Protect Body Butter 150ml  £15.95 available from nourishskinrange

*PR sample

Review: REN F10 Smooth & Renew Mask

REN F10 Smooth & Renew Mask

The reason I went for F10 Smooth & Renew Mask over the Glycolactic Peel is because my skin is so reactive. Honestly, if the wind blows on me the wrong way I come out in hives. Some of my favourite products cause the same reaction so I decided it was time to listen to my skin and go for products it needs rather than products I want. The F10 Smooth & Renew Mask is designed for sensitive skin and after reading reviews on the REN website I decided to order it.

F10 Smooth & Renew Mask is formulated to gently exfoliate and detoxify the skin, promote skin renewal and leave the complexion looking smooth, toned and radiant. I can never find any faults with REN packaging. The mask is held inside a clear bag in a fuss free pump tube with a small cap to place over the opening after every use to keep the product fresh. The mask itself is a thick orange gel/gunge. It feels so, so strange and once applied to the face it feels instantly cooling because of the texture opposed to the tickly/tingly sensation most exfoliating masks seem to have. The scent is incredible! It smells like a tropical drink and is by far the nicest smelling skin care product I own. I must admit I was a bit concerned about how my skin would react to a product with such a scent and expected the mask to be fragrance free since it's designed for sensitive skin but thankfully it didn't cause any irritation. After cleansing you apply the mask to dry skin and leave it to to work its magic for 10 minutes. The mask comes with a muslin cloth but the instructions say to pat the mask off first before using the cloth. To be honest this step is pointless. It doesn't remove the mask so I go straight in with the muslin cloth. The skin is left feelng perfectly smooth and plump, it also looks a bit brighter and most importantly I don't end up with bright red cheeks an remain hive free.

Overall the F10 Smooth & Renew Mask is a hit. It lives upto it's claim of being suitable for sensitive skin but I do have one thing to moan about - within 2 days I feel like I need to exfoliate again (has anyone else noticed this?) but I refuse to do so more than twice a week as it's not great for the skin. If you dont use a muslin cloth to remove your cleanser and gently exfoliate then F10 Smooth & Renew Mask isn't going to be enough to keep your skin feeling smooth.

After thinking I've maybe used this before I had a look through my empties posts and turns out I had. I had a sample tube at one point. Duh me.

Have you tried this mask before?

Review: Sarah Chapman Intensive Hydrating Booster, Overnight Exfoliating Booster, Skin Tone Perfecting Booster & Overnight Facial.

Carrying on from my post last week on 4 Sarah Chapman Skinesis products (link) This 2nd post includes the products which enable you to cocktail your skin care to suit your skins needs. No-ones skin is the same from day to day, mine definitely isnt so maybe that's why I love this range so much?

Intensive Hydrating Booster 5ml £9.50/30ml £57*: My cheeks get very badly dehydrated to the point were they get itchy, red, sore and hives pop up. They look constantly flushed and my pores appear bigger. It's really not a pretty sight! Intensive Hydrating Booster isn't heavy or thick. It has a thin, almost watery serum texture and can be slotted into any skincare routine and used all over the face or just where needed. I always mix one drop with the Age Repair Serum and slather it all over my cheeks before I apply moisturiser. Intensive Hydrating Booster contains Hyaluronic Acid (the ingredient you should always go for if your skin is dehydrated), moisture magnets and soothing rose water which plump fine lines. After only two days of using this my cheeks were almost back to 'normal'. They feel comfortable, the redness has died down and my pores look tighter. If you're happy with your skincare routine but suffer from dehydration definitely order the 5ml tube of this to try out for yourself. I bet you'll end up ordering the 30ml tube.

Overnight Exfoliating Booster 5ml £9.50/30ml £57*: Same as above, you can use this as and when you need it. Overnight Exfoliating Booster maximizes the skins own-night time cell renewal process. It contains salicylic acid and P Refinyl to reduce clogged pores and blemishes and tighten stretched pores. The non abrasive skin resufacers gently exfoliate while you sleep and you're left with brighter,smoother looking skin the next morning. You can really notice the difference when applying foundation. It goes on alot smoother and doesn't cling to any dry patches. It also targets fine lines, uneven skin and post blemish marking. I apply Overnight Exfoliating Booster three times a week (mixed with Age Repair Serum) to cleansed/toned skin before slathering on Overnight Facial or moisturiser. 

Skin Tone Perfecting Booster 5ml £9.50/30ml £57*: I don't really have pigmentation on my face yet but Skin Tone Perfecting Booster contains botanical skin brighteners and pigment lightening actives to target age spots, sun damage and discolouration. I can't comment on how well it work's for all of those but it helps defend against future UV damage, photo ageing and collagen degradation so I've continued to use it. There's anti-oxidants to soothe and protect the skins natural barrier, and my skin looks alot clearer. All the other products have worked wonders for me so I trust the brand enough to believe that Skin Tone Perfecting Booster is giving me some protection from future damage.

Overnight Facial 5ml £15/15ml £45*: The most famous product from the whole range. If you aren't familiar with Sarah's products you've still probably heard of this. It's the most simple product in the world (simple as in you just need to apply it) and gives amazing results! After applying any of the products listed above you finish of by massaging this gorgeous oil into your skin and forget about moisturiser. The oil isnt gloopy or thick, it's a cross between a serum and oil and feels like heaven on the skin. It is packed full of goodies to calm stressed skin, increase the life span of cells, brighten and firm the skin, and leave you with an amazing glow. On my skin it doesn't fully sink in, I'm able to massage my face for ages which helps it appear more plump. Overnight facial mimics the results you get from going to a spa and having a facial. The morning after using this you can see the difference straight away. It's not a product you have to use over a long period of time to see results. You will see how good your skin looks after the first use.

I almost never like every single product I try from one brand. I don't think it's ever happened before! My skin just loves this range and I really enjoy using the products - They're a pleasure to use, never feel like a chore and I really like how I can add the Booster's to give my skin an extra boost.

PS - My full size Ultimate Cleanse arrived today (it's part of my Christmas prezzie) and I'm so, so tempted to start using it now. Maybe I should set myself a cleanser challenge to get through all my half used cleansers by Christmas!

All products listed above are available from SarahChapman.Net

*PR sample

JĀSÖN® C-Effects™ Super-C™ Toner

JĀSÖN® C-Effects™ Super-C™ Toner £10.49

Over the last 5 years or so toner has had a place in my skin care routine. I have to be honest and say I never really understood the purpose of toner and after having a run in with one from Clean & Clear when I was around 16 I gave them a wide birth for the next lot of years. It honestly felt like I had used nail polish remover on my skin. Awful. Please, please, please don't use a toner that strips your skin. I know if you have oily skin it kind of makes sense to think anything that strips the oils from the skin is going to reduce the oil on your face but it does the complete opposite. Your skin knows you've removed every trace of oil and it's natural reaction is to produce more.

The main reason I use toner is to remove any last traces of cleanser that might be on my skin and because they supposedly reset the skins PH balance after it has been disrupted through cleansing with water. If they have extra skin benefits then that's even better. This one from JĀSÖN® is an anti-ageing daily mist, it claims to not only tone, refresh and purify the skin but it is enriched with Ester-C® and Vitamin C to help fight free radicals which contribute to fine lines. The scent is very fresh. For some reason I expected to smell oranges but it's just a lovely, clean fresh scent which isn't going to offend anyones nostrils. C-Effects™ Super-C™ Toner doesn't sting or leave the skin feeling tight in the slightest. It feels clean and fresh and preps the skin for moisture. Because of the benefits I'm guessing it was made with older skins in mind but it doesn't leave any residue behind which makes it suitable for younger, more oily skin too.

As with all JĀSÖN® products C-Effects™ Super-C™ Toner is free from ingredients such as parabens, SLS and Phthalates. The products are never tested on animals and the prices are very reasonable.

JĀSÖN® products C-Effects™ Super-C™ Toner is available from JasonNaturalCare

Do you use toner?

*PR sample

Don't forget to enter my international REN giveaway here & my BeTrousse giveaway here.

Review: Sarah Chapman Ultimate Cleanse, Dynamic Defence Day Cream, Age-Repair Serum & Eye Recovery

Sarah Chapman launched her own signature product range in 2008 and has won various awards including Best New Skincare Brand at the CEW Awards 2009. Her products are even featured in the Anti-Ageing Beauty Bible (which I own and have read countless times). I've been testing out 8 products from the range but instead of squishing everything into one post it'll be split into two. You might want to go grab a cuppa, or a sick bucket - this is going to be a positive review.

Ultimate Cleanse 15ml £9/100ml £40*: If you've been reading my blog for a while now you'll know I have a weakness for cleansers. Cleansing is my favourite step in my skincare routine and it's also said to be the most important. I enjoy nothing more than spending a good few minutes removing all the dirt and grime of the day from my face so for me a cleanser needs to feel nice. Ultimate cleanse starts off as a balm but once you start massaging it around your face it melts to oil and keeps it's 'slip' so you're able to give yourself a good facial massage for as long as you want. The balm/oil works it's way deep into pores and removes impurities then when you add water it changes to a milk. Ultimate Cleanse is full of anti-ageing ingredients as well as ingredients to boost collagen production. It leaves my skin feeling smooth, soft, completely clean but never dry or tight and my lashes feel conditioned. I've just been using a flannel to remove the milk but you can buy the mitts online. I love the packaging too, it's airtight which means the last drop is as fresh and potent as the first. Ultimate Cleanse is the most gorgeous cleanser I've ever used! I'm really picky when it comes to cleanser but I can't fault it. I've been banging on about it to anyone who will listen and have even ordered the 100ml pump.

Dynamic Defence SPF 15 15ml £16/40ml £43*: My skin is at an awkward age. I'm 26 and have been using anti-ageing products off and on since I was about 20 (wrinkle phobia) but most anti-ageing moisturisers are too heavy and thick for me to use during the day. I usually only apply them at night but because they're just too much for my skin to handle ,I end up with spots. I still suffer from the odd spot but I'm at an age now where I'm starting to notice fine lines (only around my eyes but I want to prevent them appearing on the rest of my face) and need anti-ageing products. Trying to find a product to target fine lines without over stimulating my skin and causing spots is almost impossible. I've been using Dynamic Defence everyday for around a month now and I don't think I've had any spots in that time. The texture isn't what I would expect from an anti-ageing moisturiser, it sinks into my skin quickly and doesn't cause an oil slick halfway through the day. It sits well under foundation too and keeps my skin feeling plump all day. I either use it on it's own or on top of Age-Repair Serum depending on how my skin is feeling.

Age-Repair Serum 15ml £24/30ml £47*: This serum does it all really. It brightens, plumps, firms, boosts collagen production and targets fine lines, wrinkles and uneven dark pigmentation. It has a light cream texture and doesn't feel heavy or oily on the skin like some serums can but if your skin is dehydrated like mine you'll see a big difference. It's like an extra layer of protection for your skin - revolutionary  peptides protect against enviromental damage and it can be used day or night. Age-Repair Serum contains alot of fancy pants ingredients such as Syn®-Coll Tripeptide. Admittedly I have no idea what Syn®-Coll Tripeptide is but when I read the ingredient list I expected my skin to break out. It didn't.

Eye Recovery 5ml £13/15ml £39*: My eye area is my main concern. I have bags, puffiness, dark circles and fine lines. How lucky am I?! Eye Recovery contains an ingredient called Syn-Ake peptide which creates a botox like effect to instantly plump and smooth fine lines. My ears pricked up when I heard Botox like effect but I was sceptical. My eyes look more awake once I've applied this thanks to optical diffusers, and fine lines seem to disappear. I'm so pleased with this eye cream, it hasn't even irritated my sensitive eyes! I haven't noticed a difference in my dark circles but in all honesty I didn't expect to. Eye Recovery can be used around the lip area and between the eyes, it can even be used as a mask and left on for 20 minutes but I'm yet to try this.

Sarah Chapman Skinesis products seem to react really well with my skin, especially the cleanser. The products are going to suit a wide age range. If you're my age or younger you're going to visibly see and feel the change in your skin, and if you're older then the results are going to be even better. My skin feels and looks alot healthier - it's plump, less dull and foundation goes on smoother. My cheeks were badly dehydrated and had been for a long time even though I used products targeted towards dehydration but with this range I'm noticing huge improvements. If you're thinking about trying a new skincare range, make it this one.

All products listed above are available from SarahChapman.Net

*PR sample

Organic Golden Camillia Mother & Baby Oil

Organic Golden Camillia Mother & Baby Oil*

First of all you need to ignore the Mother & Baby part. Yes its perfect for mothers and babies but I'm neither and absolutely love this! This beauty is the mother of all oils - Its 100% pure and natural | suitable for all skin types | vegan friendly | not tested on animals | soil association approved | contains vitamins A, B, D and E | 85% equivalent to human sebum, one of the most anti-oxidant materials known | its a rich source of Omega 6 and 9 fatty acids, beta-carotene, polyphenols and other anti-oxidising and moisturising substances such as Squalene 'an important constituent of human skin which acts as a moisturizer and also processes Vitamin D from sunlight'

This Golden Camillia Oil has so many uses -  relieves dry and irritated skin on both the body and face | can be used as a cleanser | lip balm | intensive hair treatment | as a serum to tame frizz | add salt or sugar to it and make your own scrub | bath oil | hand cream | cuticle oil | overnight foot treatment.

It works on every type of skin - broken skin | young skin | old skin | stretch marks | lines and wrinkles.

This takes 'multi purpose' to a whole other level. The ingredient list impressed me the most as it only contains one ingredient - Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil. I cant think of one negative thing to say (which is rare for me) it works and it works well. I've been using it as an all over body oil and hair treatment. The difference it has made to the condition of my skin is like nothing else, my legs feel so smooth as if I've exfoliated daily and it has improved the overall look of my arms. The scent is barely there and my skin hasnt reacted badly in the slightest.

Have you tried Golden Camillia Mother & Baby Oil before?

Camillia Mother & Baby Oil is available from GentleBodyCare 24.99 for 100ml

*PR sample

Review: La Roche-Posay Physiological Micellar Solution

La Roche-Posay Physiological Micellar Solution

Right I think we all know how I feel about Micellar Waters by now. For me they're NEVER going to replace a proper cleanser and if you're using a micellar without cleansing after, your face isnt clean. Its as simple as that. Another thing I'm sick of hearing is 'hold the soaked cotton pad over your eyes for a minute and your mascara comes off completely in one sweep' uhm, no it doesnt. WHY YOU LIE! Its clear to see I'm not the biggest fan so why did I buy another one? Well, I just cant accept that other people love them and I dont. I'm deluded enough to think that out there hiding away somewhere is a magic micellar that actually does remove mascara with just one sweep of a cotton pad.

Theres a few things I hate about micellars - most leave residue on the skin, the amount of cotton pads you need to go through before your face is semi clean and they dont remove mascara as easily as they would have you believe. Let me just say this isnt a negative review. La Roche-Posay Physiological Micellar Solution is the best I've tried so far. Heres why..

The formula is ideal for sensitive skin. Its soap free, paraben free, alcohol free and colourant free. There is a slight scent but its barely there which is perfect for me as it doesnt cause hives to pop up all over my face. It contains The La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water which is rich in anti-oxidant selenium and known for its anti-irritating properties making it brilliant for anyone with extremely sensitive skin.

Does it remove mascara with one sweep of a cotton pad? No it doesnt but I didnt expect it to so I can live with that. Does it leave any residue? No! :) You dont understand how happy this makes me. Yes I cleanse after using micellars for make up removal but if I'm not wearing make up and I'm out and about I'll use it to freshen up if its really warm but the last thing I want is a tacky feeling face. The bottle is a generous 200ml and priced at £11.50 in Boots but I'm sure you could find it cheaper online. I still need to go through quite a few cotton pads and I'm halfway through my bottle already. I think 200ml would only last me around a month which isnt very economical so for that reason it wont be a constant repurchase.

Whats the best micellar you've tried?

La Roche-Posay Physiological Micellar Solution 11.50 from Boots and La Roche-Posay stockists